The Short Version: You’ll be hard pressed to find a higher fidelity desktop audio rig than this. But the wireless capability is rather limited in its application, and the price runs a little high for a 2.1 system.
Features:
- 2 satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer
- THX certified
- 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter
- Aux in / headphone out ports
- MSRP of $199.00
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Wireless is plug-and-play
- Independent volume and subwoofer control
Cons:
- Wireless is a bit useless
- Subwoofer only goes down to 31 Hz
- Wall mounting doesn’t come stock
Review: Klipsch released these speakers back in 2000. This particular model however, is new this year. The only difference being the addition of wireless capability. The sound quality out of this rig is fantastic. The frequency response on the subwoofer only drops down to 31 Hz, so you won’t get that extreme rumble on the low end of the spectrum. But you’re not running a dance club on your desk are you?
Now “wireless” is a bit of a misnomer with speaker systems. There are still wires running from the satellites to the amplifier, which is in the subwoofer enclosure. So if you were hoping to reduce the wire clutter on your desk, you’re out of luck. This rig only eliminates one line from the monstrosity of cables you probably have to deal with. That being said, the wireless system is a breeze to set up. I just plugged in the wireless USB dongle, set my audio output to the new speakers, and I was bothering my roommates in no time. The dongle is slightly oversized though, so if your USB ports are horizontally configured, prepare to lose one. Good news though, is that it’ll work when connected to an unpowered hub.
If the wireless transmission inherently compresses your audio to stream it, it wasn’t immediately apparent to me. And if you’re playing MP3s, it wont make a difference anyway.
But do you really need wireless desk speakers? If you’re keeping your computer at your desk, absolutely not. The range on the transmitter is only 30 feet, and isn’t designed to go through walls. The only other place in my room I sit with my computer is on my bed, and having a USB dongle in is a bit annoying. Plus, moving anywhere away from your desk will put out of the sweet spot of the speakers. And if you want to wall mount these, be prepared to shell out another $22.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
One thing I don’t like about this system is the preamp connector Klipsch decided to use. It’s an 8-pin jack that I’m not familiar with, and doesn’t have the sturdiest feel to it. It doesn’t seem to want to sit in the connector. This is what connects the controls on the satellite to the amplifier, so if you bend a pin or something, you’re out of luck.
If you’re a serious gamer, you probably have a surround sound system of some sort, be it speakers or headphones. So this system isn’t for you. If you just want great sounding desktop speakers, go find the non-wireless version of these. They’re exactly the same and go for something like 50 bucks since they’ve been around since the original Half-Life.
Product Page: ProMedia 2.1 Wireless Speaker System
